The authorities utilized the success of the national team to convey an image of normalcy and stability, downplaying the grim reality of the political situation at home. Members of the women’s side flew out of Kabul last month but the youth team were reportedly left stranded as they lacked passports and other documents. After a humiliating group-stage loss to Saudi Arabia, the team saw early leads collapse with a late-match close call against Australia and then another penalty faceoff against the Netherlands. That penalty kick was far from enough to secure an easy win. And after Messi scored another stunner in the 108th minute, Kylian Mbappé again tied the game and forced a penalty shootout.
Categories
